5 (more) OG Networking Power Moves

Back by popular demand, here's part 2 of my list of OG networking power moves. If you missed part 1 of the series, you can check that out here .

?? Assistants are the real power players

Any time an executive says "I'm copying (so-and-so) to schedule some time on my calendar", immediately put so-and-so's contact info into a separate file labeled The Gatekeepers. These assistants and executive admins are the real power players.

Every top dog has a handler. Don't ever overlook the handler. They know everything. They control the calendar. They are the gatekeepers. Pay them the same respect as the executive they support.

Poll 100 CEOs and I promise you each of them will admit their lives are managed by someone else. Make sure that someone else knows how much you appreciate them and NEVER waste their time. It'll make the difference between "I'll look for some time in the spring" and "there's something tentative this Thursday, if it gets canceled, I'll slide you in there."

?? I'll get the tip

You're on a double date with a leader in your organization, when the bill comes. Instinctively, the leader reaches for it knowing she makes SO MUCH more than you.

Of course you do the half-hearted, "no, no let's split it" routine, but that's going to be quickly dismissed.

In addition to your humble thanks and promise that you'll get it next time, a nice little power move is to leave the tip. Declare "OK, I'll get the tip then." Pull out a few $20s and slide it between the salt/pepper shakers. Tip is complete. It's important you don't ask. You just do it.

This little power move allows you to not only contribute your pittance to the evening to maintain your social dignity, but also shows you've been here before. You're acknowledging the status differences between you and your leader, but also establishing that you're not a mooch. You always have skin in the game, and ready to throw in what you can.

Plus, in 2024, you can feel the impressed gasp of your party when they realize you actually carry cash ??

?? Great to see you

My good friend, Brian Rivell , taught me this one a few years ago and it's saved me on many occasions.

You walk into a room with dozens of people milling around. Some you know, some you don't, and some look familiar but you're not sure if it's because you've met before or because social media keeps showing you their picture with a caption "here's someone you might know".

People are saying hello and shaking hands. There's music playing, people laughing and talking. A friend summons you over and introduces you to Jaclyn. Through your outstretched hand you say, "Hey Jaclyn - it's great to meet you." The person suddenly steps back and says, "Yeah, we met a few weeks ago at new hire orientation, remember? It's me. Jaclyn."

Ugh. It's BRUTAL.

"Great to see you" is your get out of jail free card.

"Great to see you" provides the introductory salutation without the commitment to it being the first time.

Try that situation again, but instead of "It's great to meet you" say, "It's great to see you". Jaclyn's response will most likely be, "It's great to see you too! I don't think we've seen each other since orientation a few weeks ago. How have you been?"

Ahhhh, see - isn't that nice?

?? Here's what I want to cover

Early in my career, I secured a meeting with a leader at my firm. I mentioned in my meeting request that I wanted to "get his thoughts on a couple things... if you have a free minute... if not no prob... greatly appreciate any time you can spend... (insert 6 more passive qualifiers because I was new and scared)."

The meeting came, and I jumped into the meat of the discussion. I was considering switching roles. I had some hurdles to overcome. I wasn't positive I wanted to make the switch, but felt like it would be good for my career.

The leader looked me in the eyes and gave me this little power move.

"You know I support you. So in the future, include these topics and thoughts in your initial meeting request. If you did that, I'd be more prepared to make this meeting actionable, but now all I can do is talk about it, and we can't have the actionable meeting until later."

It was a great lesson I took to heart. Why blindside someone who supports me with my request for help/guidance during the meeting? If I gave him a couple weeks to think about it, do a little research, and compose his recommendations, maybe we could've had a more substantive meeting. By not giving him that time and context earlier, the meeting was nothing more than me telling him my goals and then having to wait another month before we could engage in next steps.

If you're looking to catch someone off-guard and trap them live in a meeting, that's one thing. But for most meetings, it's beneficial to be upfront in the request by saying "here's what I'd like to cover" and include some bullet points. I promise that meeting will be significantly more impactful for you when your counterpart is as prepared as you are.

?? Never sell past the close

This is my favorite, and I see people forget this all the time.

When someone agrees to do what you wanted them to do, stop talking. Just stop talking. There is nothing more to gain and everything to lose. Stop. Talking.

Client: "Sounds great, send us a contract and we'll get it signed."

"Perfect. And yeah, I really think it's the perfect time for you to implement this technology." "Oh, and back to your earlier point... Here's the other thing I forgot to mention."

Noooooo. We are all capable of saying something we wish we could take back. And people are always looking for a reason to say "no". So once you get that "yes", you wrap the meeting, confirm next steps, and get the heck out of there.

This power move rule should apply to everything in our lives. Store customer service overlooks their 30-day return policy for you? Contractor agrees to interest-free financing for 18 months even though it's usually 12 months? Your spouse finally agrees to get a puppy? Boom. Done. Sale is closed.

You fished your wish... stop picking-up more cards. Never sell past the close.

I hope you enjoyed these power moves. There's always another 5 in the holster, so let me know if you want me to keep this series going.

About the Author

Sean is the author of That Was Awkward: 7 Secrets of an Awkward Networker and the founder of Awkward Networker , a professional development website focused on encouraging and mentoring networkers by providing his tips and techniques to avoid the natural awkwardness of networking. Sean created Awkward Networker as a platform to teach others the fast track to networking and professional success.